10 Steps to Prepare Your Heating System for The Winter
Chicago winters can be brutal, and residents rely on efficient and effective heat to keep their homes comfortable all season. To ensure that your system is safe, efficient, and powerful enough to meet your needs, we recommend preparing it for the coming drop in temperatures.
In this article, the HVAC experts at Green Air Care outline our winter heating system checklist so homeowners can feel confident that their system will keep them warm this season.
Check and Replace Air Filters
If your heating system has dirty or clogged air filters, airflow is significantly restricted. This forces your system to work harder than it should and can lead to increased energy bills and reduced performance. Homeowners should change filters at least every three months as a critical part of heating maintenance and to ensure their system is operating efficiently.
Inspect and Clean Air Ducts
During your winter preparation, it’s important to ensure that your air ducts are free of dust and debris. Schedule duct cleaning to ensure proper airflow and maintain even heat distribution. Plus, seal any cracked ductwork to ensure that heated air isn’t lost.
Test Your Thermostat
Your thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system. Test your thermostat and schedule repairs or replacements if necessary to ensure proper heating control. This can help ensure consistent comfort throughout the winter months.
Clean Vents and Registers
Over time, your vents and registers can accumulate dust and dirt buildup that restricts critical airflow for your heating system. Homeowners should clean them regularly to keep their systems working efficiently and to improve indoor air quality. Plus, you should always ensure that holiday decor and furniture aren’t obstructing any vents.
Inspect the Heat Exchanger
Any crack in your heat exchanger is considered a hazard, as it can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. To protect your home and family, schedule a heating tune-up with a professional who can confirm that your system is safe to use.
Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Make sure your home has functional carbon monoxide detectors on each floor to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning. This is critical for homeowners who rely on a heating system that uses combustion, like a gas furnace.
Inspect the Blower Motor
To get even and powerful heating throughout your home, it’s important to inspect your system’s blower motor regularly. If it’s malfunctioning, it won’t be able to circulate warm air and will no longer operate efficiently, leading to reduced comfort and higher energy bills.
Seal Leaks in Windows and Doors
Any drafts in your doors and windows will waste energy and prohibit your total comfort. To prepare for the drop in temperatures, seal any leaks that allow your heated air to escape so that your heating costs don’t suddenly rise.
Test the Furnace Ignitor
Your furnace ignitor must be working properly to heat your home. To avoid inconvenient malfunctions, schedule furnace maintenance for winter and allow a professional to test your furnace ignitor for your safety.
Schedule a Professional HVAC Inspection
One of the most important HVAC maintenance tips is to receive professional inspections regularly. This allows a technician to catch safety or performance issues that may not be obvious, giving you peace of mind that your system is ready for safe use this winter.
Choose Green Air Care
When you need help preparing your Chicagoland home for the winter months, trust Green Air Care to be your partner in comfort. Our team is proud to offer comprehensive heating maintenance for a variety of system types, including furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps, to keep your system operating at peak performance this season.
Our licensed and certified technicians offer superior service and unmatched attention to detail. Plus, if your heating system has an issue, we offer fast and reliable repairs and replacements.
Schedule heating maintenance today with Green Air Care.
